Two of the most popular hill stations in North India are set to be connected by a cable car soon. The Mussoorie Sky Car is expected to be the longest passenger ropeway in South Asia, connecting Dehradun to Mussoorie. Once completed, this 5.2 km mono-cable detachable gondola system will reduce the travel time between these two popular mountain destinations in Uttarakhand to just 20 minutes.
Currently, the journey by road from Dehradun to Mussoorie is approximately 34 km and takes about an hour and a half. There is no direct train service between both the destinations either.
The Mussoorie-Dehradun Ropeway project is projected to begin operations by September 2026. Once completed, it will reportedly become the longest ropeway of its kind in South Asia, and one of the longest in the world.
Developed by Mussoorie Sky Car Private Limited, a collaborative venture involving FIL Industries, SRM Engineering, and the French company POMA SAS, the ropeway will be designed as a mono-cable detachable gondola system, which will ascend nearly 1,000 m, offering passengers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
The fully electric system will be waterproof and is intended for year-round operation, ensuring that it remains functional in various weather conditions.
Incidentally, Mussoorie Sky Car Private Limited has also been awarded the Yamunotri Ropeway Project, which will cover 3.8 km between Kharsali and Yamunotri in Uttarakhand. This ropeway is expected to enhance access to the region and its pilgrimage sites.
One of the project's highlights is its commitment to safety and quality. Reports state that the ropeway will adhere to rigorous European safety and engineering standards, and a considerable portion of its components will be manufactured domestically in India, supporting local industries.
The system is anticipated to efficiently transport approximately 1,300 passengers per hour in each direction, utilising modern 10-seater diamond cabins that come equipped with advanced features such as efficient ventilation systems, automatic doors, and full weather protection to ensure a comfortable ride for all passengers.
To guarantee the utmost safety for its users, the ropeway will be certified in accordance with CEN (European Committee for Standardisation) standards and will undergo regular safety inspections once it is operational.
Budgeted at INR 300 crore, the project was officially announced at INTERALPIN’25, an esteemed international trade fair for alpine technologies held in Innsbruck, Austria.